Nontraditional Students Assistance Act of 1991
Nontraditional Students Assistance Act of 1991 - Amends the Higher Education Act of 1965 with respect to student assistance to expand the definition of independent student to include any individual: (1) who was admitted to the United States as a refugee; (2) who was granted asylum in the United States; or (3) whose deportation has been withheld (under specified provisions of the Immigration and Nationality Act).
Makes eligible for independent status also any student with a history of self-sufficiency or a history of having been a victim of child abuse or spouse abuse (as well as other unusual circumstances), as determined and documented by a financial aid administrator. Applies such revised independent student definition to the Pell Grant program as well as to other student assistance generally.
Makes less-than-half-time students eligible, under specified conditions, under the guaranteed student loan (Stafford) program and under the Pell Grant program.
Applies provisions for repayment grace periods and deferrals to less-than-half-time students under the guaranteed student loan (Stafford) and the direct student loan (Perkins) programs.
Referred to the Subcommittee on Postsecondary Education.